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Sept. 3, 1929.

H. I. MORRIS ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed May 9, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR I Md. W

BY M9 066 ATTORNEY 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Sept. 3, 1929. H. L MORRIS ELECTRIC swncn Filed May 9. 1924 Patented Sept. 3, 1929.

UNITED STATES mam PATENT vPrice.

HOWARD I. MORRIS, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, ASSIGNOB, TO THE YODER-MORRIS COM- PANY, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO; A CORPORATION O OHIO.

' ELECTRIC SWITCH.

Application filed May a, 192;. Serial No. 712,113.

This invention relates to an electric switch mechanism whereina circuit through one or more leads isjopened and.closed.-.automati cally. In the preferred application. of the invention, the switch mechanism opens and closes a circuit to an;ele ment, such asa heater or m'otor,.but the inventionmay be applied to open and close av mastercircuit, which in turn controls magnetically operated switches for one or more c rcuits thatare to be opened and closed. My invention is associated with a thermostat which is actuated. by the rise and fall of the temperature of .a medium air, gas or water) that surroundsithethermostat, and the latter turn. effects the operation of the switch mechanism.

One object of the invention is to: rovide. a switch 'mech'anism which is simple-in construction and positive in operation.

Another object of the invention is to .construct an electric switch in which the movab1e1con'tact element is actuated in a. relatively quick manner ineither direction.

Another objectof the invention is to construct an improved electric switch mechanism', which is actuatedby a thermostat, to control the operation'of meansthat directly or indirectly m'aintain'the medium surrounding the thermostat at substantially any desired temperature, so that by reason of the change in temperature of the medium, .the thermos'tat will automatically effect operation of the switch mechanism to close an electric circuit 'to set in motion or action or to stop the means which act to return the temperature of the medium'to the desired deree. v Other objects of the invention willbe apparent to those skilled in the art to which my invention relates from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings Fig. 1 is an elevational view, partly broken away, illustrating a switch mechanism embodylng my invention as applied to a water heating apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through the switch mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 33 of Fig.

Fig. 4 is an elevational view of one of the casing members.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view, similar to Fig. 2, but showing the position of the elements when the switch mechanism has operated and the electric circuit is closed.

' Fig. 6 is a view of a modification showing the switch mechanism arranged to control an electrically heated oven.

" Fig. 7 is a view, partly in elevation and partly diagrammatic, of a refrigerator and system therefor, wherein the temperature of the refrigerator is controlled and maintained at substantiallyv any desired degree by a sWitch;mechan-ism embodying my invention.

Fig.8 is .a fragmentaryasectional view of aswitch mechanism, arranged to control the circuitfor a .motor in 'a refrigerating system as' shown in Fig. 7.

, .Figj9 is a slightly. modified form of switch mechanism embodying my invention. ,j'lFigflO is a'furthe'r modified form of construction embodying my invention.

. Fig. 11 is a fragmentary-section on the line 1l-.1'1 of Fig. 10. v

[Referring to Figs. .1 to 5, inclusive, wherein I have illustrated the application of my invention for use in connectionwith thermostatic elements which control the heating of water or ,other liquidina tank and maintaining it at anyj'desired temperature, 1 indicatesa'tank adapted to contain water or other liquid. 2 indicates a water supply pipe, which is connected to the tank 1 in any suitable manner. 3 indicates a pipe leading from the tank 1 to points where the heated water is desired for use. 4 indicates an electric heate'r, ;,which preferably comprises a coiled heating element 4of suitable material having terminals Pf, 4 to which are connected the ends of leads 5, 5*, included in an electric circuit' 6. The heating element 4 surrounds a pipe 7 connected to the lower end of the tank land to its upper end or to the pipe 3. The leads 5?, 5", are connected to the terminals of a switch 8, which opens and closes the circuit leading from a source of supply (not shown). The heating element 4' is preferably enclosed in a casing 9 to protect it as well as to prevent radiation of the heat. The casing 9 maybe constructed in sections to permit its assembly and access to the heating element. The arrange ment of the heating element herein shown is merely for illustrative purposes, since so far as my invention is concerned it may be arrangedin any desired manner.

2 indicates a pipe connected'to the bottom of the tank 1, whereby it may be drained, when desired. The pipe 2 is provided with a suitable valve or cock as shown in the drawing. It will be understood that the pipe connectionsto and flOIIYt-lIG tank 1 may be arranged 'in any manner other than that shown in the drawings when desired.

10 indicates as-an entirety. a switch-mechanism interposed ill-the lead 5% and controlling the opening and closing of the circuit 6 therethrough.

Of this switch mechanism 10, 11 indicates a casing which houses the electric-terminals 11, 11?, the switch element 12 that has elec 'trical connection with oiie ofthe terminals andengziges and 'di sengages" the other terininal and an operating mechanism indicated as an'entirety at Thewalls of the casing 11 'areformed with-openings in which are supported tlie terminals .11, 11 The casing 11 preferably -comprises two members 15, 16','--'sui tably shaped to facilitate their assembly for "correlation" with each other an s emb i t e." Oper g e mentstherein, as 'w'ill later be apparent. To permit ready assembly Leasing member 16 is provided with' a '1 "t'ed eiidwail and a curved flange walllfif'it hi'ch'the casing member 1 515 .securedi ell, known manner, foregamplghyjscrews The casing member 'lfifis' sha d tgi'fpi ovide a chamber 17' in which theinneh'end-fif the terminal liend snit h m mbt i 2 1 ,mQ ntd, The side: of the chain if li'g s open as shown at 17", but .in con n ping member 16 t hewalls fdfi tliiajsi membe 15, I interpose the, tw ching liimbers a relatively 'thin p1 f medjtr'oinisuit a e mama immat ria riapu i e which w ll. ateriipiie fr i he 7 p ate? 1 extends from fside'ed'ge to sid fidg} Qi-the' casing 16 :(see' Fig', ervesftoj' close the i e sid l of. .t cfcha r .".an. 1't1' f r divide-'5 th "ca l' 'ilf l d t o Chambers one for the innerend of lt lie ;lterh iinal 113, the vSwitch ment. 12 audft1ie1 1eyic .to: wh h the latter isconnected and' t l 1 'e other for the switch operating.mechanisn 'mi, I j By preference the; upper, fan lowerwalls of the chamber 17' are provided with bosses 19, 20, in which are formed screw threaded openings to receive supporting devices for the terminalslll? 11F- dTh e supp' ortingdevice re;- the terminal 11 preferablycomprises alplug 21- screw threaded in the opening through the boss The plug 21 is formed with an Opening through it to receive the belt of a binding post 22, to which the lead '.3?{ is "connectedl f'lhe plug 21 is f01fII1Qd Of coiiductijve. materialso that the circuit from the leadj'ifif i s"gi o 1 inded to the casing member lfiaiid leads through the latter o the. switch, c mea :2. hro gh a rocker 23, '(to belaterireferred, to)to which the switch eleme'ntfis 'cfonnectedl. .Thc sup porting device for'tlie terminal 11* comprises a piug'Q formed from insulating material and screwthreaded' in the opening formed in thebo'ss 19, The plug 24 is provided with a'screw threaded opening in which a screw 25 is mounted. "-26 indicates nuts mounted on the screw 25 and adapted to lock the screw 25 in the plug 24 and also to clamp betweenthem the end of the lead 5 As shown, the screw 25 extends inwardly into the chamber 17 into position to be engaged by the switch element 12 when the latter is operated.- The-contacting end of the screw 25 and the switch element 12, may be provided withplatinum contact devices, if de-' preferably comprises i a section'of tubing formed-from copper or other material capable of'readily expanding under" the in fluencee ofheat. The outer end of the elememes i'sf clos'ed in any suitable manner. The inner end ofthe tubefits tightly within the boss 27, the connection therewith being i of a' liquid tightcharacter' to preventleakage of the water in the tank 1 into the -casing member 15. The thermostatic element 29 is preferably formedfrom some material, 'suchas porcelain, which -is not to. any substantial extent affected by temperature changes. The element 29 isarranged Within the section of tubing 28 being connected at its outer-end to the adjacent end of the tube'i28 byjany suitable device, such as a screw 31, which permits adjustment of the elements relative to each otherwhen' desired. The inner end of the thermostatic element 29 is, by preference provided'with an enlarged portion 29 which fits the inner end of the tube 28. The inner end'of the element 29 is preferably provided with an extensiomwh ch serves as a thrustelement 33, extending in axial direction.

Sincethe inner end of the thermostatic element 28 is fixed to the casing 11 and its outer end is connected to' the outer end of the thermostatic element 29, it will be understood that uponthe rise in temperature of the medium surrounding the element 28, the latter expands and moves-the element 29 endwise, or toward the left, as viewed in the drawings, and when the temperature of the medium falls. the element 28 contracts and moves the element 29 endwise in the opposite direction, thereby serving to control the operation of the operating mechanism 10 as will be-la-ter set forth.

Of the operating mechanism 10*, 34 indicat-es a lever pivoted upon a cross shaft or pivot 34 mounted at its opposite ends in suitable openings formed in the side walls of the casing member 15. 35 indicates a supplemental lever pivoted to the free end of the lever 34 and engaging a fulcrum 35 about which it rocks during movement of the lever 34. 36 indicates a magnet, preferably of the horse-shoe type, pivoted at or near its inner end upon a shaft or pivot pin 37, supported at its opposite ends in the walls of-the casing memberil5. 39 indicates a bar or rod connected to and extending across the gap between the two legs 38 of the magnet =36 and arranged to be engaged by the free end of theisupplemental lever 35, to swing the magnet about itspivotal support 37." As shown in the drawings, the horses-shoe typeof magnetcprovides a space between its legsfor the free end of the lever 34 to move in; and by bifurcating the free end of the lever 34, provision is made for the reception of the supplemental lever 35 whereby the lever 34, supplemental lever 35 and magnet 36 .coj-operate and move freely relative to each other in a relaively small confined space or chamber, so that compacness and reduced cost of manufacture are insured. The lever 34 is provided with an abutment 34 with which the thrust member I 33 engages. Then the thermostatic element 28 contracts due to fall in temperature of the water in-the tank 1, it will move the thermostatic element 29 endwise'toward the right as viewed in the drawings, and it in turn will act through the levers 34 and 35 to swing the magnet 36 about its pivot-37 upwardly, likewise, when the temperature of the water rises, these elements move in the opposite direction and permit the magnet to move downwardly. The operating elements just described are preferably arranged. so that when the water in the tank 1 is at the desired temperature, the magnet 36is in a substantially horizontal position as shown in Fig. 2. 40 indicates a shaft extending transversely across the chamber 17 and secured at its opposite ends in the said walls thereof and supporting the rocker 23. The rocker is provided with a pair of wings 41, 41, of magnetic material extending to either side of the shaft 40. 42 indicates an arm fixed to the rocker 23 and constituting at its outer end the switch element 12 already referred to. The shaft 40 is arranged so that when the magnet 36 moves in either direction, its influence or attraction decreases with respect to one wing and increases with respect to the other wing so that a rocking of the rocker 23 on its shaft 40 takes place to operate the element 12, such operation serving to hold the rocker in one position until the influence of the magnet effects its rocking.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that the rocker 23 constitutes an armature pivoted intermediate its ends, whereby movement of the magnet in opposite directions toward its ends will cause the armature to rock to either positively open or close the circuit through the lead 5 with a relatively quick motion.

In operationassuming that the water in the tank 1 is at the desired tempcrature the elements of the operating mechanism will be substantially in the position shown iniFig. 2, with the switch element 12 out of engagement with the terminal 11. If the water in the tankzl is allowed to cool or cooling takes place by reason of the discharge of the hot water therefrom, the cooling efl'ect will-cause a contraction of the thermostatic element 28 and movement of the element 29 toward the right; such movement will in turn operate the levers 34 and 35 and: they in turn will swing the magnet 36 upwardly to the position shown in F ig; 5. As such movement of the magnet continues, it will attract the armature 41', causing the rocker; to rock about its pivot and close the circuit with a relatively quick movement, as shown; that is, it will move the switch element 12into engagement withthe terminal 11 thereby closing the circuit 6 through the heating element 4; heatingof the water will then take place. When the water has reached the desired, predetermined temperature, therheat thereof .will cause the expansion of the-tubing 28 and it will move the thermostaticelement 29 -endwise toward the left; As the thermostatic element 29 moves in this direction the levers 34, 35, will operate in the reverse direction, due to their weight and the -weight of the magnet 36, which will then move downwardly to the position shown in Fig. 2. As the magnet moves downwardly, it will move away from the armature 41' and toward the armature 41. As this movement continues, the influence of the magnet 36 on the armature 41 gradually decreases, while its influence on the armature 41 gradually increases, until its influence on the latter is greater, at which time the rocker will swing about its pivot with a relatively quick movement and open the circuit, as shown in Figure 2.

It will be seen that the magnet 36 is movable, and operates to both open and close the circuit with relatively quick actions and these operations are effected by movement of the magnet relative to two armatures which being connected together and mounted upon a common pivot are positively and alternately operated to open and close the circuit 12 by a single movement of the magnet relative to the pivot about which the armatures swing.

The construction is particularly advantageous for the further reason that-the magnetic influence between the magnet and one end of the rocker serves to maintain the rocker 23 in either pos ti n. unt l it is posh tively moved to its other position; for example in Fig. 2 the magnet 36 is shown at substantially its lowest position and attracting the armature end 41. Due to the magnetic influence upon the armature end 41, the latter will be maintained in that position (and the circuit open) while the magnet 36 is moving upwardly to the position shown in Fig. 5 until its influence on the armature end 41 is greater than its influence on the armature 41, whereupon the rocker will rock. As a result of this movement there will be a rapid decrease in.the influence on the armature end 41 and a rapid increase in the influence on the armature'end 41, the eifect of which is to complete the operation of the rocker with'arelatively quick movement. As the switch element is connected to the rocker, it is moved to the circuit closing position quickly, and positively.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that I have provided a relatively simple form of construction, consisting of few parts. have provided a construction in which the use of springs for operating or controlling any of the elements or parts or their relative movements are entirely eliminated.

It will also be seen that I have provided two separate closed chambers in each of which are mounted certain of the operating elements, the armature or armatures and contact elements being mounted in-one chamber and the lever and magnet being mounted in;

another chamber. By reason of this arrangement a separate chamber is-provided for the electric contactdevlces so that inthe' event that arcing takes place the heat thereof will not affect the elements of the operating mechanism or the bearings in which they are mounted. Furthermore, it prevents the medium, which surrounds the thermostatic elements, from entering the chamber in which the electric contact devices are mounted. Incarrying out this arrangement, the joint between the casing members 15, 16, is of a liquid tight character. The plate 18 be ing disposed between the casing members 15, 16, it maintains the magnet and armatures 41, 41 out of contact at all times, so that they will notstick together; the plate also forms a stop to limit the swinging of the rocker in one direction, namely. when operating to move the switch element out of Contact with the terminal 11.

Since magnetic attraction is relied upon to operate the armatures 41, 41, there is no mechanical connection between them and the switch element 12 is operated in a positive manner and with a relatively quick movement in either direction without the provision of a loose pivot and slot connection or a spring control connection between any of the operating elements and such switch element to insure a quick or snap action of the latter.

Furthermore,it will be seen that I.

The fulcrum preferably comprises a rod provided with screw threads which fit a screw-threaded opening in the lower portion of the casing member 15. This con struction and arrangement permits the rod to be rotated and thereby adjusted endwise so that the engagement of the supplemental lever 35 with the cross rod 39 can be controlled to regulate the operation of the magnet 36 relative to the armatures 41, 41', whereby the water in the tank 1 can be maintained at a relatively higher or lower temperature, as desired.

\Vhere it is desired to conneet the switch element 12 directly withthe terminal 11", the plug 21 may be formed of insulatin material as shown at 21 in 9. In this construction the inner end ofthe binding post is connected by a lead 21 with the switch element 12 which is connected to but preferably insulated from the arm 42 of' the rocker Fig. 6 illustrates the application of my in vention to an oven indicated at 43. In this form of construction the hollow boss 27 is screw threaded into an opening in one wall of the oven and the thermostatic elements 28, 29, extend into the latter so as to be affected by the rise and fall of the temperature therein. In this form of construction the heating element is disposed in the lower portion of the oven; as shown at 44. v

Fig. 7 illustrates the application of my invention to an apparatus wherein the switch mechanism controls a circuit to an electric motor which in turn operates a mechanism incident to such apparatus. As illustrative of this application of the invention I have shown a refrigerating system adapted to effect refrigeration in a refrigerator. In this "iew '45 indicates a refrigerator of any desired construction having a refrigerated chamber 46 and storage chamber-47. 48 indicates the coil for the refrigerant. One end of the coil is connected by a pipe 49 with a compressor 50 the driven member 51 of which is operated from an electric motor 52. From the other side of the compressor the pipe 49 leads through a cooling coil 53, then to a tank 54, then through an expansion valve to the other end of the coil 48. As shown, the switch mechanism 10 is mounted in one wall of the refrigerator 47, similar to that described in connection with the heating oven in Fig. 6 so that the thermostatic elements 28, 29, thereof will be disposed in the storage chamber of the refrigerator and at the point at which the desired temperature is to be maintained. Due to the rise and fall of temperature in such chamber, the thermostatic elements 28, 29, will open and close the circuit 6 for the motor which in turn will drive the compressor 50 to effect circulation of the refrigerant and thereby to maintain the temperature in the refrigerator at the desired degree. Where the switch mechanism is applied to a refrigerator or a refrigerating system, the electric terminals 11 11, are reversed (see'Fig. 8), since it is necessary to effect operation ofthe motor due to rise in temperature'of the medium instead of the drop in temperature as. is the case where it is desired to'heat or maintain in heated condition'a body of gas or liquid. This construction is illustrated in Fig. 8 where the magnet 36 is shown acting upon the armature 41 when the storage chamber in the refrigerator is at the desired temperature, with the thermostatic element 28 contracted. If the temperature in the storage chamber rises, the thermostatic element 28 will expand and thus permit the magnet 36 to swing downwardly and attract the armature 41, thereby swinging the switch element 12 into engagement with the terminal 11*'.

Fig. 10 illustrates a further modified form of construction embodying my invention. In this form of construction the arm 42 car ries a plunger 56, which projects through an opening 57v fOIIl18Cl in the casing member 16 and carries at its open end a contact plate 58. 59, 60 indicate contact elements connected to the wall 16 of the casing member 16. The connection also includes a block of insulating material 61. The Contact elements 59, 60 project laterally into the path of movement of the contact plate 58 so that when the plunger 56 is moved upwardly due to the swinging of the magnet 36 from its lower position (like that shown in Fig. 2) to its upper position (like that shown in Fig. 5) the contact plate will engage the contact elements 59, 60 and complete the circuit therethrough. The inner ends of the plates 59, 60 are provided with binding devices to which the ends of the leads 5" are connected as shown in Fig. 11. Where this form of construction is applied to a refrigerating system or for maintaining a liquid, and air and gas at a relatively low temperature, the normal position of the rocker is opposite to that shown in Fig. 10, and the contact elements 59, 60 are disposed below the contact plate 58, so that upon the movement of the plunger 56 downwardly the circuit will be completed across the contact plate 58.

I have not thought it necessary to illustrate other applications of my invention, but the same could be applied to control the temperature in a room or storage space where such temperature was maintained by a supply of heated or cooled air. In such application the switch mechanism embodying my invention would control a circuit to a motor which in turn operated or controlled the operation of the valves, ventilators or devices which permitted or cut off the flow of air to the room or space.

It will also be understood that the magnet 36 may be an electro-magnet having one or more windings that are energized from a suitable source of energy. Furthermore, instead of providing .two armatures mounted to rock about an intermediate pivot or trunnion, a single 'movable armature may be used. In this latterjfor'mof construction, the weight of'the switch element or a spring is utilized to move thearmature in one direction- V To those skilled in the art of making mechanisms of the class described, many alterations in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of my invention will suggest themselves, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. My disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

What I claim is:

1. In apparatus of the class described, a support, an electric terminal mounted on said support, an armature trunnioned on said support and carrying a contact arranged to engage said terminal to close a circuit, a permanent magnet pivotally mounted on said support whereby its pole swings relative to the opposing face of said armature toward its end portions to either side of a plane cutting the axes of the magnet pivot and armature trunnion, and means for moving the magnet from one end portion of the armature to the other end portion thereof, whereby the latter is rocked to open and close the circuit.

2. In apparatus of the class described, a support having a pair of chambers therein, terminals within one of said chambers, one of said terminals being movable to engage and disenga e the other terminal. a magnet pivoted in the other chamber whereby its pole is swingable, an armature connected to the movable terminal and trunnioned in the chamber therefor at a point adjacent the path of movement of the magnet pole and intermediate the ends of movement thereof, means for moving the magnet to swing its pole relative to the armature trunnion toward either end of said trunnion relative to the opposing face thereof, whereby said magnet pole holds said armature in one position until it swings to a point on the opposite side of the amature trunnion and then rocks said armature to effect a snap action thereof, and a wall of non-magnetic material carried by said support and extending between the magnet pole and said armature.

3. In apparatus of the class described, the combination with a support shaped to form a pair of chambers, of a terminal for one side of an electric circuit mounted on the wall of one of said chambers, an armature trunnioned in the last mentioned chamber and electrically connected with the other side of the circuit and carrying a switch element arranged to engage and disengage said terminal, a magnet mounted in the other.

chamber to move relative to the opposing face of said armature toward its ends at either side ofi'ts trunnion, whereby said magnet pole holds said armature in one position until it swings to a point on the opposite side of the armature trunnion and then rocks said armature to effect a snap action thereof, a thermostat element/and operative connections between said ther mostat element and said magnet for operating the latter.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which is provided a thermostat for controlling the magnet moving means.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name.

HOWARD I. MORRIS. 

